However, struggling Chelsea would prefer a loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.

The 26-year-old, who burst onto the scene as a teenager, has suffered a series of off-the-field and fitness problems and is a long way from being match-ready.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

Sao Paulo-based Corinthians have also publicly stated they want shot of him and Pato hopes to conclude negotiations with Chelsea in the next 48 hours —but the Blues will not match his club's valuation.

READ MORE:

He is not Chelsea's first choice but the west London club are becoming desperate.

Former superstar Radamel Falcao has proved a disaster on his season-long loan from Monaco and fellow frontman Loic Remy is also keen to leave, having failed to win a regular place even when no other strikers are fit.

From deadly to dead-loss: Chelsea loanee Falcao is miles from the player he used to be (Image: Paul Terry/JMP/REX)

First-choice Diego Costa , whose disciplinary record is a concern, currently has a shin injury and is rated only "50-50" for the trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

Chelsea are looking at strikers including West Brom's Saido Berahino, Jamie Vardy of Leicester and Watford's Odion Ighalo, but none of those look likely to arrive before the deadline of 11pm on February 1.